We’re excited to announce that we have been approved for funding for the Government’s Kickstart scheme, providing job opportunities for young people aged 16-24 who receive Universal Credit. We’re using this funding to provide seven paid placements across our organisation, working with our partners Access Training who will deliver on-the-job training and employability support throughout the placement and beyond.
The funding from the Government pays for the placements, which will offer 25 hours of work a week at minimum wage over a six-month period, alongside up to £1,500 of training delivered as part of the scheme. Our Kickstarters will have a great opportunity to build their skills and experience in a range of roles especially designed to help young people who are at risk of long-term unemployment to get ahead in their chosen career.
Our Group Chief Executive, Lindsey Williams, said:
“The pandemic has hit communities across the East Midlands hard. Our customers have been affected in many ways, particularly young people, often losing jobs and struggling to make ends meet financially. We welcome any opportunities to help people get back on their feet and start to recover post-pandemic. We’re excited to be offering roles within Futures and look forward to welcoming our new team members to the Futures family.”
Futures applied for the Kickstart funding through the East Midlands Chamber. The chamber is a gateway organisation for the Kickstart project, and applied on behalf of a range of businesses within the East Midlands for the funding.
East Midlands Chamber Deputy Chief Executive Diane Beresford, who is overseeing the Kickstart scheme for the organisation, said: “We’re so proud to have played a key role in giving young people a chance they may not otherwise have had. After spending many months working with employers on their applications, it’s incredibly exciting and rewarding to see the fruits of our labour as people now start their jobs.”
Futures will be offering placements in our repairs teams in both Amber Valley and Daventry, our ICT team and our development team. If you’re interested in applying, please speak to your work coach or contact our employment advice team for more information.
